Systems and mechanisms for use with double blinds and double shades

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides advantageous window covering mechanisms, systems and apparatus that permit multiple window shades (e.g., a pair of window shades) or blinds to be operated from a single headrail. The window covering mechanisms permit the multiple window shades to be operated by a single control mechanism, e.g., a single operating cord. A motion translation mechanism is generally for operation of the multiple shades. The mechanism may include oppositely directed windings of first and second lift cords relative to a rotatable member. The disclosed systems may be used with shades (e.g., Roman shades) and blinds such that interaction with a single cord or other control mechanism functions to simultaneously reposition first and second shade or blind panels. The first and second shade or blind panels may advantageously be selected to provide varying levels of light blocking and/or privacy properties.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of a co-pending provisional patent application entitled “Double Blind/Shade System and Mechanism,” which was filed on Nov. 29, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 60/631,521. The entire contents of the foregoing provisional patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to mechanisms, systems and apparatus for use with window coverings and, more particularly, to mechanisms, systems and apparatus for use with shades and/or blinds such that interaction with a single cord or alternative controller functions to simultaneously reposition first and second shade/blind panels.

2. Background Art

A variety of window covering designs and systems have been developed to address various window treatment objectives, both residential and commercial. Roller shades are useful in addressing many window covering needs. Typically, a roller shade includes a tubular mandrel and a decorative panel wound on the mandrel. The mandrel can be selectively rotated by a user either in one direction or the other causing the panel to be either raised or lowered, depending on how it is wound on the mandrel. The roller shade is generally provided at its two ends with mounting structures to facilitate mounting on a window frame or other similar location, using suitable brackets. Normally, one end of the roller shade is a simple rotatable coupling that allows the roller shade to rotate with respect to the bracket. The other end is provided with a bi-directional clutch that provides a mechanical advantage during operation of the roller shade. Bi-directional clutch mechanisms of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,765 to Rude et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,432 to Waine et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The foregoing patents disclose clutch mechanisms in which the mechanical advantage is developed between a large pulley and a small shaft. One or more springs are also provided as a means for locking the mandrel to prevent undesirable rotation. Other clutch mechanisms are also known in the window covering field which are based on frictional braking, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,369 to Nisenson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,920,106 Nisenson et al. disclose bi-directional clutches useable for roller shades.

More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,592 to Fraczek et al. describes a bi-directional clutch for operating a window dressing such as a roller shade. The Fraczek '592 design includes a protective guard for securing the window dressing to a stationary structure, a gear box for transmitting rotation to an output member in response to the operation of an elongated operating member such as a cord, and an anti-rotational member that prevents the undesirable operation of the output member. The output member is coupled to the window dressing and the gear box includes a gear pulley coupled to the elongated operating member, a planetary gear and a stationary gear. The gear box is arranged and constructed to transmit motion to the output member in response to the activation of the elongated operating member, at a predetermined mechanical advantage.

In assessing window treatment options, it is frequently desirable to provide at least two distinct window coverings over a given window to offer enhanced control of light and/or privacy, e.g., at different times of the day, in different weather conditions, etc. As an example, in certain window treatment designs, a first window covering is provided that is fabricated from light, sheer fabric. This first window covering frequently takes the form of a drapery that is placed near a window and, when drawn closed, allows light into a room while providing a level of privacy to activities that take place in the room. A second window covering fabricated from a fabric with more light blocking properties has traditionally been placed in front of the sheer fabric so that light can be blocked out and complete privacy provided, when desired, such as in the morning in a bedroom. From an interior design standpoint, sheer fabrics generally tend to be less decorative, while heavier (light blocking) fabrics generally offer designers an opportunity to incorporate a broader variety of designs, colors and/or textures.

There are several limitations and/or undesirable attributes associated with multi-window covering implementations (e.g., window covering treatments that include a first, sheer window covering and a second, heavier window covering), including:

-   -   Multiple hardware systems are required to operate multiple         window coverings, taking up additional space inside the window         frame and adding cost to the product and/or installation.     -   Multiple operating cords or wands are needed, causing confusion         for the operator as individuals frequently select the wrong cord         in attempting to operate or adjust a specific window covering.     -   Potentially increased safety concerns associated with multiple         operating cords; indeed, operating cords have been determined to         be a potential safety hazard by the Consumer Product Safety         Commission (CPSC).

Efforts have been made to provide double shade systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,115 to Judkins describes a double shade system that includes a headrail for a double shade, the headrail having a modular construction in which a portion of the headrail holds a roller shade and a second portion holds a pleated shade. The two portions of the Judkin system are separable from one another. In a further effort to address an industry desire for multiple window covering installations, “Springs Window Fashions” recently introduced a product that has two shades on one headrail (see www.graberblinds.com; the Synergy product). The Synergy product includes a solid color roller shade or solar shade in the back for privacy and light control. A burnout or sheer fabric Roman or pleated shade is in the front for style and fashion. Both shades are on one headrail and operate separately or in unison to create a variety of light and color statements.

Despite efforts to date, a need remains for window covering systems and apparatus that permit multiple window shades (e.g., a pair of window shades) to be operated from a single headrail. It is a further need to provide window covering systems and apparatus that permit multiple window shades (e.g., a pair of window shades) to be operated by a single control mechanism, e.g., a single operating cord. These and other needs are satisfied by the systems and apparatus described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The current invention provides advantageous window covering mechanisms, systems and apparatus that permit multiple window shades (e.g., a pair of window shades) and/or window blinds to be operated from a single headrail. The current invention also provides window covering mechanisms, systems and apparatus that permit multiple window shades (e.g., a pair of window shades) to be operated by a single control mechanism, e.g., a single operating cord. These and other needs are satisfied by the mechanisms, systems and apparatus described herein. Thus, the current invention offers advantageous mechanisms, systems and apparatus for use with shades (e.g., Roman Shades) such that interaction with a single cord or other control mechanism functions to simultaneously reposition first and second shade panels. The first and second shade panels may advantageously be selected to provide varying levels of light blocking and/or privacy properties.

More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure allow at least two distinct shade panels, e.g., Roman Shades (i.e., shade systems that feature folding fabric shades), to be operated off of a single headrail. In use, the lift cord for the shade positioned in front may be drawn up, e.g., on a cylindrical shaft, thereby lifting the front shade, and such lift cord movement is automatically associated with a corresponding, but opposite motion of the lift cord for the rear shade, i.e., the latter lift cord is let out and the rear shade is thereby lowered. The simultaneous translation of motion from an operating cord/controller to the front lift cord and rear lift cord may be effectively achieved by providing a continuous cord loop. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one continuous cord loop may be operated to advantageously draw up the rear shade while lowering the front shade and, conversely, to simultaneously raise the front shade while lowering the rear one.

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a mechanism, system and/or apparatus for translating motion from a cord (or other controller) to at least two distinct shades is positioned in the headrail region. The motion translation mechanism/system of the present disclosure may be employed with any of the known drive systems for lifting/lowering shades, as are known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the advantageous motion translation mechanism/system of the present disclosure may be employed with conventional shaft/drive systems that include and/or are controlled by a clutch mechanism or other control systems (e.g., motors and/or friction control systems). Exemplary drive systems with which the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system may be utilized include, inter alia, shaft systems that traverse on a screw drive mechanism, a traversing shaft mechanism, and/or a drive mechanism with sliding cones (including, inter alia, cone systems that utilize a pair of cones).

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a pair of shades/window coverings are mounted with respect to a headrail. A first shade/window covering is mounted with respect to the front of the headrail and the second shade/window covering is mounted with respect to the rear of the headrail. Lift cords are associated with each of the first and second shade/window covering, and such lift cords are brought up through the base (underside) of the headrail. The lift cords for a first shade are attached relative to the drive mechanism for the window covering system, e.g., a traversing shaft that rotates and moves sideways when activated by a clutch mechanism. The lift cords for a second shade are also attached relative to the drive mechanism, e.g., the traversing shaft, but are wound around the shaft (or such element(s) as correspond to a shaft in the particular drive mechanism) in the opposite direction. Thus, rotational motion of the shaft/drive element will translate to a winding motion for one of the lift cords, but an unwinding motion for the other lift cords.

Of note, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lift cords for a first shade are attached to the shaft/drive element at such point as the lift cords for the other shade have been fully wound around the shaft/drive element. In this way, the first shade will be in a fully extended position (i.e., all the way down) when the other shade is in a substantially raised position (i.e., all the way up). By attaching the lift cords in this exemplary manner, the shades are joined relative to the shaft/drive element such that, when one shade is raised (i.e., drawn toward the headrail), the other shade is correspondingly lowered (i.e., moved toward an orientation where it is fully deployed in front of the window). Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to implementations wherein the first and second shades are positioned in “opposite” orientations, as described above. For example, the first and second shades may be of differing lengthwise dimensions, such that movement of the longer shade is limited to partial exposure of the window, even when the other shade is fully deployed downward. Alternative implementations of the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art and are expressly encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

The presently disclosed motion translation mechanism/system offers numerous advantages and benefits for the window treatment field. For example, in implementations wherein first and second shades are positioned at substantially opposite extremes (i.e., the first shade open when the second shade is closed, and vice versa), the disclosed mechanism/system advantageously offers a balance between the two shades, putting less weight and stress on the operating mechanism and support structure. Although the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system has particular utility in Roman Shade implementations, other type of shades that are raised by lift cord systems also may be benefited through implementations of the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system, including, inter alia, pleated shades, cellular shades and horizontal blinds.

Additional functions, benefits and advantages associated with the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when reviewed in connection with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To assist those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains in making and using the disclosed systems, mechanisms and apparatus, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of a headrail that includes a motion translation mechanism/system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top schematic view of the headrail of FIG. 1, with the motion translation mechanism/system of the present disclosure reoriented to a second position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of an exemplary double shade assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of the exemplary double shade assembly of FIG. 3 in a second orientation.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

As noted above, the current invention provides advantageous window covering mechanisms, systems and apparatus that permit multiple window shades (e.g., a pair of window shades) and blinds to be operated from a single headrail and controlled by a single control mechanism, e.g., a single operating cord. Thus, interaction with a single cord or other control mechanism functions to simultaneously reposition first and second shade panels. Further shade panels may be operated in like manner, such that implementations may be devised wherein more than two panels (e.g., three panels, four panels, etc.) may be advantageously operated with a single control mechanism. Individual shade or blind panels may be advantageously selected to provide varying levels of light blocking and/or privacy properties, as well as varying aesthetic effects.

More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure allow at least two distinct shade or blind panels, e.g., Roman Shades (i.e., shade systems that feature folding fabric shades), to be operated off of a single headrail. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary motion translation mechanism/system 100 according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, first and second schematic views of a headrail assembly 102 are provided. Of note, exemplary headrail assembly 102 shares structural and functional attributes with a commercially available headrail assembly that is marketed by from Rollease, Inc. (Stamford, Conn.) under the trade name “RollEase VersaRail”. The RollEase VersaRail headrail assembly is described in an information booklet that was appended as Appendix 1 to the provisional patent application to which the present application, i.e., Ser. No. 60/631,521. The contents of the foregoing provisional patent application (including Appendix 1 thereto) were previously incorporated herein by reference and reference is made to RollEase VersaRail information booklet for details concerning the structural design and assembly of a conventional headrail assembly, which forms relevant background information for purposes of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, headrail assembly 102 includes spaced apertures/holes for passage of lifts cords through the base face of the substantially U-shaped headrail assembly 102. The general location of the spaced apertures/holes is indicated by arrows X and Y. Additional apertures/holes may be formed in the base of headrail assembly 102, e.g., if additional shade panels (beyond the two shade panels described with reference to FIGS. 1-4) are utilized. A clutch or motor 104 is positioned at a first end of headrail assembly 102, as is known in the art. The design and operation of clutch/motor 104 generally corresponds to conventional clutch/motor mechanisms, as are known in the art. In the exemplary implementation described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, clutch 104 drives shaft 106 (i.e., a rotatable member) via two spears 108 and a drive disk/spear retainer 110. A screw drive 112 is associated with and threadingly engages the shaft 106, such that rotation of shaft 106 translates to traversing motion thereof relative to head rail assembly 102. Traversing motion of shaft 106 ensures that lift cords 200 a, 200 b and 202 a, 202 b wrap around shaft 106 in a non-overlying manner, i.e., each of the lift cords wind around shaft 206 in a side-by-side, non-overlapping manner.

With particular reference to FIG. 1, lift cords 200 a, 200 b are associated with a first shade panel 210, whereas lift cords 202 a, 202 b are associated with a second shade panel 212. Shade panels 210, 212 are schematically depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. As schematically depicted in FIG. 1, lift cords 200 a, 200 b are wound in a first direction relative to shaft 106, whereas lift cords 202 a, 202 b are wound in an opposite direction relative to shaft 106. Each of the lift cords is secured relative to shaft 106 by a cord clip 114, as is known in the art (see, e.g., Step 9 of the RollEase VersaRail instruction booklet incorporated herein by reference). However, unlike prior art shade assembly implementations, the opposite winding of lift cords 200 a, 200 b relative to lift cords 202 a, 202 b according to the present disclosure imparts a highly advantageous, opposite motion to first and second shade panels 210, 212. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, lift cords 200 a, 200 b wrap around the “front” of shaft 106, while lift cords 202, 202 b wrap around the “rear/back” of shaft 106. As will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art, this arrangement may be reversed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in assembling an exemplary double shade assembly 300 according to the present disclosure, it is generally desirable to secure the first or second shade panel to the shaft, e.g., using first and second cord clips, and then to fully wind such first/second shade panel to its fully open position before securing the other shade panel relative to the shaft. In this way, the first and second shade panels will move between opposite positions in use. Stated differently, the first shade panel will be in a fully open position when the second shade panel is in a fully closed/extended position, and vice versa.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, double shade panel assembly 300 includes first shade panel 210 and second shade panel 212. In the orientation of FIG. 3, first shade panel 210 is in its upper-most position. This upper-most position of first shade panel 210 corresponds to a fully wound deployment of lift cords 200 a, 200 b relative to shaft 106. In like measure, second shade panel 212 is shown in its fully extended position in FIG. 3, which corresponds to a fully unwound deployment of lift cords 202 a, 202 b. Thus, the relative positioning of first and second shade panels 210, 212 in FIG. 3 corresponds to the deployment of motion translation mechanism/system 100 as shown in FIG. 1. By contrast and with reference to FIG. 4, the positioning of double shade panel assembly 300 depicted therein corresponds to the deployment of motion translation mechanism/system 100 as shown in FIG. 2.

Translation between the orientation of FIGS. 1/3 and FIGS. 2/4 is generally accomplished according to the present disclosure through interaction with a single operating cord (not pictured). The general interaction of the single operating cord with clutch 104 is well within the skill of persons skilled in the art, e.g., as shown in the RollEase VersaRail instruction booklet incorporated herein by reference. Thus, a single cord loop (e.g., a continuous cord loop) may be advantageously utilized to effect upward/downward movement of first and second shade panels by effecting rotational motion to shaft 106.

Although the design and operation of the exemplary double shade assembly disclosed herein has been provided with reference to a clutch/shaft assembly, the present disclosure is not limited to drive systems incorporating such structures/features. Rather, the advantageous motion translation mechanism/system of the present disclosure may be utilized with a variety of drive systems, including, inter alia, shaft systems that traverse on a screw drive mechanism (as described herein), a traversing shaft mechanism, and/or a drive mechanism with sliding cones (including, inter alia, cone systems that utilize a pair of cones).

Thus, in use, the lift cords for a shade panel positioned in front may be drawn up, e.g., on a cylindrical shaft positioned within a headrail assembly, thereby lifting the front shade. Through the opposite winding of the other lift cords (i.e., the lift cords associated with the rear shade panel), the lift cord movement associated with the front shade panel is automatically associated with a corresponding, but opposite motion of the lift cords for the rear shade. Thus, the latter lift cords are let out and the rear shade is thereby lowered. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one continuous cord loop may be operated to advantageously draw up the rear shade while lowering the front shade and, conversely, to simultaneously raise the front shade while lowering the rear one.

As noted previously, the presently disclosed motion translation mechanism/system offers numerous advantages and benefits. For example, in implementations wherein first and second shades or blinds are positioned at substantially opposite extremes (i.e., the first shade open when the second shade is closed, and vice versa), the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system advantageously offers a balance between the two shades, putting less weight and stress on the operating mechanism and support structure. Although the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system has particular utility in Roman Shade implementations, other type of shades and blinds that are raised by lift cord systems also may be benefited through implementations of the disclosed motion translation mechanism/system, including, inter alia, pleated shades, cellular shades and horizontal blinds.

While the present invention has been described with reference to several particular and exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein should be considered as exemplary, but not limiting, with respect to the present invention. 

1. A window covering system comprising: a. a headrail; and b. a motion translation mechanism associated with the headrail that interacts with first and second lift cords to effect opposite motions thereof
 2. A window covering system according to claim 1, further comprising first and second shade or blind panels associated with the first and second lift cords.
 3. A window covering system according to claim 2, wherein the first and second shade or blind panels have differing light blocking properties.
 4. A window covering system according to claim 2, wherein the first and second shade or blind panels are of differing lengthwise dimensions.
 5. A window covering system according to claim 1, wherein the motion translation mechanism is responsive to a controller.
 6. A window covering system according to claim 4, wherein the controller comprises at least one cord.
 7. A window covering system according to claim 1, wherein the motion translation mechanism includes oppositely directed windings of first and second lift cords relative to a rotatable member.
 8. A window covering system according to claim 7, wherein the rotatable member includes a shaft.
 9. A window covering system according to claim 8, wherein the shaft interacts with a clutch and a screw drive.
 10. A double shade assembly, comprising: a. a first shade or blind panel associated with first lift cords; b. a second shade or shade panel associated with second lift cords; and c. a motion translation mechanism that imparts oppositely directed motion to the first and second shade of blind panels through interaction with the first and second lift cords.
 11. A double shade assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first and second shade or blind panels are selected from the group consisting of Roman Shades, pleated shades, cellular shades, horizontal blinds and combinations thereof.
 12. A double shade assembly according to claims 10, wherein the motion translation mechanism includes an oppositely wound arrangement for the first and second lift cords relative to a rotatable member.
 13. A double shade assembly according to claim 12, wherein the rotatable member includes an elongated shaft.
 14. A double shade assembly according to claim 13, wherein the shaft interacts with a clutch and a screw drive.
 15. A double shade assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first and second shade or blind panels have differing light blocking properties.
 16. A double shade assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first and second shade or blind panels are of differing lengthwise dimensions.
 17. A double shade assembly according to claim 10, wherein the motion translation mechanism is responsive to a controller.
 18. A double shade assembly according to claim 17, wherein the controller comprises at least one cord. 